- Chelsea to rotate squad again amid challenging heat in Club World Cup last-16 tie vs Benfica.
- Nicolas Jackson serves final match of his two-game suspension.
- A win sets up a quarter-final with either Palmeiras or Botafogo.
Chelsea face their toughest challenge yet in the Club World Cup as they prepare to take on Portuguese giants Benfica in the last-16 stage. Manager Enzo Maresca is expected to continue his policy of rotating the starting lineup, a tactic driven both by form and the intense climate conditions in the host nation.
Suspension and injury concerns persist for Chelsea, notably with forward Nicolas Jackson missing out again due to the red card he received against Flamengo.
Maresca’s Rotating Blues Face Benfica Test in Club World Cup Knockouts
Benfica, boasting a mix of experienced European campaigners and rising talents, will look to capitalize on Chelsea’s rotational instability. Their high-energy midfield and cohesive structure make them formidable, particularly in knockout football. Chelsea’s midfield duo of Moisés Caicedo and Conor Gallagher will be critical in disrupting Benfica’s tempo and transitioning play quickly to Palmer and Sterling in attack.
This tournament also serves as a proving ground for Chelsea’s new signings and academy graduates. The Club World Cup offers a rare opportunity for players like Noni Madueke and Marc Cucurella to impress on a global stage, especially given the number of senior absentees. The performance of these rotation players could significantly impact their standing in Maresca’s long-term plans.
Tactically, Maresca has shown a preference for possession-based buildup with frequent positional interchanges in attack. However, Benfica’s organized defensive unit could force Chelsea into faster transitions and more direct approaches. The tactical flexibility on display tonight will reflect not only Chelsea’s squad depth but also Maresca’s adaptability under pressure.
Should Chelsea overcome Benfica, their next match will pit them against the winner of Palmeiras vs Botafogo—two sides that pose different but dangerous challenges. A deep run in this tournament could help solidify Chelsea’s cohesion heading into the next phase of the season and give Maresca much-needed momentum in his first international competition with the Blues.
Chelsea’s journey in the Club World Cup reaches a critical juncture tonight. With smart rotation, tactical discipline, and emerging talent, Maresca’s men aim to push past Benfica into the quarter-finals.
“Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing.” — Pelé
